Charles Barkley: Referees overreacted in Game 2 of Heat-Bulls

May 9, 2013|By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel

CHICAGO — It'll be nearly a week until the TNT crew gets another crack at the Heat, with ESPN handling Friday's Game 3 of Heat-Bulls. So a look at how Charles, Kenny, Shaq and Steve Kerr viewed things during Wednesday night's broadcast of Game 2:

Kerr, on Dwyane Wade's frustration with the Bulls’ style of defense: "Dwyane Wade is very frustrated by the Bulls' style of defense. They are very physical. They guard the paint. Probably more than any other team, they force Wade out of his comfort zone. They make him shoot over the top and he doesn’t get the easy baskets he’s used to."

Kerr, on the Heat's defensive speed: "I have a feeling that Erik Spoelstra reminded his team that they're built on defense and that their speed defensively has to control this game."

Kerr, on the Bulls’ need to contain LeBron James without fouls: "You have to try to be physical with LeBron. You can’t let him do whatever he wants on the floor. You have to do it in a smart fashion."

Charles Barkley, on the number of fouls in Wednesday's first half: "The referees are over-reacting. There is nothing wrong with a little physical play or trash talk."

Shaquille O’Neal, on the physicality of Game 2: "This is old school basketball. No layups, hard fouls and nothing that could hurt anyone. It's good, clean basketball."

Kenny Smith, on Bulls point guard Derrick Rose's possible return in Game 3: "He's coming back this series. He looks like he's ready to come back. I think they need it."

Barkley, on Rose's possible return in Game 3: "The big decision is [whether he will] come off the bench or start. Him coming back will mess up rhythm. I think it's too late right now. He should have been back before the playoffs."

Kerr, on being a referee in an intense playoff game: "This is why you don’t want your kids to grow up to be NBA officials. . . . It’s an impossible job."

Kerr, on the Heat’s dominating performance in Game2: "This is the type of performance from Miami that we've grown accustomed to this season. Dominant defensively, getting out in transition, getting everyone involved and making 3-pointers. They look like the best team in the league right now."

Kerr, on the Heat responding to their loss to the Bulls in Game 1: "They brought the fight tonight. This is when the playoffs have really started for Miami. In Game 1, the Bulls let them know that this was the postseason and the Heat have responded."

Kerr, on the Bulls rebounding from a tough Game 2 loss: "Chicago always bounces back. They are such a proud team. They're built on defense and toughness. They are going to have to rely on the resilience when they get back to Chicago for Game 3."

Kerr, on how the Bulls will react in Game 3: "Usually the team that loses comes out with so much energy and passion. Now it’s the Bulls' turn to respond in Game 3. You're going to see an unbelievable level of intensity from both clubs as the series shifts to Chicago."

Chris Bosh on how the Heat are preparing for Bulls point guard Derrick Rose’s potential return from injury: "I'll be honest with you, we don't talk about him at all. We can't worry about if they're going to play him or not play him. We have a game plan and we prepare for what we're supposed to with who we think they’re going to put out there. If we feel he’s going to be out there, we'll call it accordingly."

Smith, on how the Bulls could utilize Derrick Rose if he returns: "He doesn't have to be a superstar with everything on him. He could take the minutes that [Marquis] Teague and Nate Robinson are playing and be more influential. He will demand a double-team because you can’t take the chance that he won’t be good."